Mar 9, 2012
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Art Rating: 9/10
Although the artwork is very good, one of the main characters in particular isn't very attractive. And although it could be that the author didn't want them to all be perfect and beautiful -expect Taki... I think that's important to his character,- I can't hope but notice how his looks improve over time. But hey, it's alright. Perhaps we just get used to Klaus -yeah, I admitted it- over time. It's not a big deal. However, there are moments in the manga where something looks strange or disproportional to the rest of the character/etc.
However, I think that over all the artwork
...
is stunning! Inariya Fusanosuke is a master at drawing fight scenes and smex scenes. Even the "chibi" scenes at the end of the mangas sometimes are beautiful in their simplicity. Then again, most chibis are adorable.
Not to mention, she's often hailed for her great abilities in the bedroom... drawing wise that is! I haven't read anything about her bedside manner but damn~! I love that woman!
Story: 10 /10
Now, the Reader Response theory says you must decide the storyline for yourself. -And that's the honest plot of Maiden Rose too!- The RRT is heavy used in this story... I mean, it’s put right in front of our faces! It’s complicated and actually really deep… This manga is an inspiration to me as a writer, and honestly this is actually the reason I read! I can’t tell you how much time I spent thinking about this story… What could it mean, why the use of the “Name of thy Rose” poem? The RRT theory, which was introduced through that lovely poem (poem referenced throughout the entire series though very, very heavily in the 4th book), is so wonderfully interwoven into the story it’s unbelievable.
It's written in a way that the storyline would be different for everyone depending on how they view the story. I haven’t found a soul who got the same thing from it I did. However, if you want what I’ve gotten from the story…
Okay, I wrote like 3 paragraphs and was starting on a 4th and probably a 5th when I realized it was too full of spoilers... So, here's a summery:
Maiden Rose follows the adventures of two soldiers in a fantasy world that is much like pre-WWII Japan. Germany… I mean, Klaus (Hetelia reference... Someone had to do it) is pledged to be Taki-Sama’s (Japan’s) knight (body-guard.) Even though in front of everyone else it may look as though Taki-Sama is in charge (he’s in charge of the army because he’s from a noble family) really, behind closed doors it’s Klaus whose on top… Yeah I mean that kind of on top.
(WARNING: THERE IS RAPE(?) IN THIS SERIES!)
(... If you read it, you'll understand why the question mark is there)
...Did I mention Kick Ass battle scenes!
Originality: 10 /10
Maiden Rose is simply amazing! There’s hardly anything that compares! This is better and more thought out than most novels (in any language)! Maiden Rose is truly one of a kind, although it draws on themes that have been lightly explored in the past. However, this brings something totally new to the table.
And it's yaoi? Seriously, a well thought-out and deep yaoi!
Also, in most yaoi, the uke is the main character however in Hyakujitsu no Bara, we see most of the story through Klaus, the seme's, eyes.
Characters: 9 /10
I rather liked the characters! Taki-Sama is gorgeous and once you learn more about his background... Klaus… He’s a lot more than he seems! Trust me! Both of them have their own demons and before they can even begin to deal with the war waging around them, they must conquer said *personal demons.
(*I know this is often used when talking about drug use… Well, you’ll see what I mean!)
Enjoyment Rating: 10 /10
I love this series… I can't tell you how important this series is to me... I've never seen a manga, let alone a yaoi manga, that was this incredible.
Btw, The two OVAs are nothing like the books. It’s terrible! It’s like they hired a really crappy artist and he/she turned it into a snuff film! An animated snuff film! Don't watch it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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